South Heights is located in southeastern Beaver County, Pennsylvania.  South Heights was first known as Ethel's Landing, a docking point on the Ohio River. The name of the town was changed to Shannopin when the Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad established a station there. When the name of the town was changed to South Heights, the station became known as South Heights Station.

Surrounding and adjacent neighborhoods

South Heights has two land borders, including Hopewell Township to the north, south and west, and Crescent Township (Allegheny County) to the southwest. Across the Ohio River to the east, South Heights runs adjacent with the borough of Ambridge.